Helmet For Motorcycle
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Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5
AFX FX-50 Review
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AFX has been a surprising company to many inside the industry lately as they have gained more and more notoriety for producing very good and rather attractive helmets for affordable prices. The company is quite happy with this reputation since this is the very reason why the company formed 15 years ago (at the time of this writing). One of their specialties is the open-face urban transport helmet – sometimes called a ‘scooter’ helmet. The AFX FX-50 holds the high ground in that product model line for the company, but does it add to the solid reputation AFX has earned?
Motorcycle helmets like the FX-50 must be judged on a different scale than some of the other AFX models. This fact is due to the design; these types of lids are expressly built for not only safety, but for style as well. It must protect your skull in a fall and look good doing it. In the first regard, the FX-50 is fully U.S. DOT certified (but will not protect like a full-face helmet). For the second, each rider will have to gaze at the photos and judge whether this lid appeals to the eye. It certainly seems that many find it perfectly fine to look at - and pull on - since the AFX FX-50 motorcycle helmet is often finding itself on backorder.
AFX constructs the FX-50 of their standard polycarbonate and lines that with a very well-sorted EPS liner which varies, like the shell, between the six sizes; the larger units get a larger shell and more EPS, the smaller units get smaller pieces. The paint on that strong and solid shell is of a high quality and the selection of colors is classic and very upscale; a high-viz yellow version is sure to grab attention. It easily equals the quality feel of the anti-bacterial, hypo-allergenic and moisture-wicking lining material that also happens to be wrapped around some firm yet comfy removable and washable padding. A neutral to slightly roundish internal shape is the result of this configuration, and the AFX FX-50 will suit a wide variety of skull shapes and sizes.
This may be an open-face helmet, but the AFX FX-50 helmet has a large, 2.2 mm thick, scratch-resistant, UV-resistant, protective-against-bugs-and-rocks, and optically clear visor. It moves through a three-detent range, but has no lift tab, though it can be removed if necessary for the very open face look. This is supplemented with a retractable sun-shield which is opened with a slider mounted and integrated into the top side of the helmet. This extra layer of plastic is adjustable over its entire range and is a significant advantage for flexibility when the weather is ever changing. That open design is, of course, great for field of view and the vision is really only limited by your own eyes in the FX-50.
Venting is not much of an issue in an open-face motorcycle helmet, but the AFX FX-50 does have a top and two exhaust vents. These work well, but are unnecessary in the real world as the design of this helmet easily allows air to flow freely through. Though, those exit holes at back probably do help with stability. And, it may be tough to believe, things are fairly quiet within those well-ventilated confines. It seems that the thick padding around the ears, and the pockets the helmet contains them within, manage to block out even the noise coming from underneath. There is some noise coming from the stylish ‘beak’ up front; it is not terribly annoying, though it would be easy to remedy should it become so. Wear the FX-50 behind a decent fairing, such as that on a good-sized adventure or sport-touring bike, and one will get the sensation of wearing a full-face lid with almost un-blocked vision and great ventilation.
About the only significant drawbacks to the AFX FX-50 are the ratcheting chinstrap closure, which may be unfamiliar to many, and, mostly, the weight. Perhaps the extra heft is a result of the relative strength and stability of the design, but the scales register a fat 1520 grams (3.35 pounds). It does not feel that heavy on the head, and credit is due to AFX for this, but it might be noticed on a long ride. Around town, or through some spirited riding on the more exciting back-roads, and the FX-50 is a blast to wear. And, when you stop to fuel up, you can actually have a conversation without taking off your lid.
The AFX FX-50 is one of the best out of AFX yet, and it’s only an open-face. The FX-50 also carries the standard “lifetime” warranty of about five years, with all parts free of charge. It is an outstanding customer service plan which will make plenty of owners very happy. But, so will the price…
Suggested retail pricing for the FX-50 is only US$100, but a realistic cost from your local shop may be closer to $85. The FX-50 is another representative of how far AFX has come in such a short time, and it is a sign of where we will be going should we ride with them.